Hurricane Preparedness

Prepare for hurricane season now! Take action today to be ready for when severe weather strikes. Understand your hurricane risk and start your preparations early. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive forecasts and alerts, and know the steps to take before, during, and after a storm. Stay safe and stay informed!

Hurricanes are some of the most powerful and destructive natural events. Each year, an average of 12 tropical storms form over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico during hurricane season (June 1 to November 30), with 6 developing into hurricanes. In the Central Pacific Ocean, an average of 3 tropical storms occur, 2 of which typically strengthen into hurricanes. Meanwhile, Guam, the Northern Marianas, and Micronesia face typhoons year-round, with the main season from July to November and a peak from mid-August to mid-September. On average, the U.S. coastline is hit by 3 hurricanes every two years, including 1 major hurricane (with winds of 111 mph or greater).

Understanding what to do before, during, and after a hurricane can greatly improve your chances of staying safe. If you or someone you know has experienced a hurricane, we encourage you to share your story, including the location and year. Your story could be used in educational campaigns by NS to help others prepare and potentially save lives. Read survivor stories and learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Hurricane Hazards

While hurricanes present the greatest risk to life and property, tropical storms and depressions can also cause severe damage. Tropical cyclones—including depressions, storms, and hurricanes—bring a variety of hazards: storm surge flooding, inland flooding from heavy rainfall, destructive winds, tornadoes, and high surf with rip currents.

Storm surge, the abnormal rise in water levels caused by storm winds, is historically the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the U.S. It can result in significant loss of life and extensive coastal destruction. Storm surge can extend several miles inland, particularly along bays, rivers, and estuaries.

Inland floodingfrom heavy rains is the second leading cause of fatalities in tropical cyclones. These storms often bring widespread torrential rains, causing flooding that can extend hundreds of miles from the storm’s center and last for days after it dissipates.

Destructive windsfrom hurricanes have the power to destroy buildings and manufactured homes. During hurricanes, unsecured items such as signs, roofing materials, and other objects can become dangerous flying debris.

Tornadoesare also a threat, often forming in the rain bands of tropical cyclones well away from the storm’s center.

High surf and rip currents, driven by a tropical cyclone’s strong winds, pose significant risks to coastal residents and mariners. These waves can cause deadly rip currents, considerable beach erosion, and damage to coastal structures—even when the storm is more than 1,000 miles offshore.